RYAN Giggs is convinced Manchester United can clinch a place in the Champions League final - because of the team's cutting edge.

The veteran Wales winger believes that ability in front of goal will give United the upper hand next Wednesday when they face AC Milan at the San Siro.

United hold a slim 3-2 advantage going into the semi-final second leg after Wayne Rooney's dramatic stoppage-time winner.

It capped an outstanding second-half display by United and the England striker in particular.

Giggs is quietly confident of progressing when the teams clash again next week, with PFA Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo also in fine form.

He said: "If we keep our tempo and keep our shape we will create chances.

"Of course it will be difficult at the San Siro but I saw enough in our second-half display to know we can get a good result.

"We knew at half-time if we did not panic we would be able to carve out openings and that's what happened.

"We kept playing our football and showed a lot of patience.

Character

"To get the winner in stoppage time showed a lot of character. I am pleased we came back so well and put most of our chances away.

"We ended the game on a high and can go there with confidence although maybe we will need to defend better."

With Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Gary Neville all injured, only Patrice Evra of the regular back four was involved against Milan.

And the Frenchman had been on the treatment table himself leading up to the game because of a calf injury.

It was hardly surprising given the circumstances that United at times looked shaky at the back.

Evra, however, will miss the return leg after being booked last night.

But Giggs insists that the players who have been drafted in and, in some cases, found themselves out of position deserve praise.

In particular he singled out Darren Fletcher, who has grown in confidence during the European campaign.

"He was outstanding," said Giggs. "But this is what it is all about. The squad is important, not the team.

"Players have come in and been asked to do a job. They have responded brilliantly."

At 33, Giggs was making his 94th Champions League appearance for United and he savoured the occasion.

He is intent on picking up a second winner's medal after helping the side overcome Bayern Munich in that memorable 1999 final.

Giggs said: "You want to be involved in great games like this one against Milan.

"We got off to a good start, then they hit us with a sucker punch. We wanted to keep a clean sheet. You do not want to concede one goal never mind two at home.

"Away goals can be crucial in this competition as we all know but we have the advantage at the moment."

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